Lemon and Blueberry Pound Cake
This Lemon and Blueberry Pound Cake is a delightful treat, offering the perfect balance between the zing of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries, encased in a rich, buttery pound cake. The cake is topped with a luscious lemon glaze and garnished with fresh mint and lemon zest, making it both visually stunning and utterly delicious. Whether for a special occasion or as a casual dessert, this cake will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 220g |
| Granulated Sugar | 210g |
| All-purpose Flour | 290g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Lemon Juice | 40g |
| Blueberries | 80g |
| Baking Powder | 5g |
| Salt | A pinch |
For the Lemon Glaze:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | 200g |
| Lemon Juice | 30g |
For Decoration:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Mint | As needed |
| Lemon Zest | As needed |
| Blueberries | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Cake Base
- Begin by zesting a lemon, making sure to reserve a few curls of zest for the decoration later. Squeeze 40g of lemon juice and set it aside.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring that the oven is properly heated before placing the cake inside.
- Grease and line a 26×11 cm (10×4.5 inches) loaf pan with butter and parchment paper, making it easy to remove the cake once baked.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 220g butter and 210g granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the second egg, the batter may appear slightly curdled; this is normal.
- To balance the mixture and bring it back together, gradually add 1 tablespoon of sifted flour and baking powder with each egg, alternating between the two.
- Add a pinch of salt for a balanced flavor. Continue to mix until the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, ensuring that the citrus flavors are well distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Incorporate the Blueberries
- Gently fold in the 80g of blueberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix to prevent the berries from breaking.
Step 4: Bake the Pound Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the pound cake in the preheated oven for about 70 minutes. If you are using a fan-assisted oven, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for approximately 50 minutes. After 30 minutes, you may cover the top with a piece of parchment paper to prevent over-browning.
- Perform a toothpick test by inserting it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Step 5: Cooling and Glaze Preparation
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the lemon glaze by combining 200g powdered sugar with 30g lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and drizzleable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
- Once the cake has fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top of the cake.
- For the finishing touch, garnish the cake with lemon zest, a few blueberries, and a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 34g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
This Lemon and Blueberry Pound Cake offers a delightful citrusy flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the blueberries, making it a refreshing dessert. The addition of the lemon glaze enhances the flavor, while the mint garnish provides a beautiful finish. Whether enjoyed as a light snack or as a dessert after a hearty meal, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate treat!
